Article by Rachel Barnard

6 female stars who prove things only get better after 50

Our society is very youth-focused. In a world where we buy creams to banish wrinkles in our late 20s what kind of message does this send to middle-aged women? Women over 50 are in their prime—established, comfortable in their own skin, and sure, containing a few bumps and bruises due to “finding oneself in their 20s and 30s, but much better because of it.

For women in the entertainment industry, once the age of 50 is reached, many will tell you that they’re finally being admired for their diverse talent—rather than being cast purely on the basis of look. And many understandably openly embrace their mature status as a time to truly shine with a sigh of relief.

Here are six Hollywood leading ladies that prove things get more fabulous in your fifties…

1. Meryl Streep

She showed her dancing and singing chops in Mama Mia (my personal favorite), played the cold boss from the fiery depths in The Devil Wears Prada, had the energy to don a apron and the plus size selection as the domestic diva Julia Child in Julia, and scooped up an Oscar for her portrayal of another fabulous woman in The Iron Lady. Meryl Streep has had her pick of movie roles, but more so now that she’s hit the BIG 50. Streep even admits that, “I didn’t have any confidence in my beauty when I was young.” This talented, blue-eyed beauty proves that during your 50s—you can do anything you set your mind to.

2. Katey Sagal

She’s played a one-eyed cartoon alien, the matriarch of a tough-as-nails, outlaw, motorcycle club, and we can’t forget a bon-bon eating, slipper wearing housewife, but the prima role for Katey Sagal is wife and mother-of-three. However, like her character, Gemma, in the hit television series, Sons of Anarchy, Sagal got gifted herself a tattoo of a reptile on her ankle to celebrate her 50^th birthday.

3. Madonna

The Material Girl proved long ago that she’s more than she appears. Twenty-five years after her Who’s That Girl World? Tour in 1987—we know that Madonna is a bona fide music icon, with killer biceps and lungs to match. She did it WAY before Lady Gaga and she did it keeping up with men twice her junior!

4. Helen Mirren

Helen Mirren is the first to say “rubbish” to all of the focus we place on looks. In one interview she said, “It’s time to let go of this crap. It creates even more pressure on women, and I certainly don’t want to be a part of that.” From the red carpet to playing an ex-operative in Red, Mirren proves she’s a force to be reckoned with.

5. Kim Cattrall

Kim Cattrall, or rather her character Samantha Jones in Sex And The City is the icon for a new kind of female revolution—one that drinks martinis and brags about the great sex they’re having well into their 50s.  Samantha Jones shows women that you don’t have to pretend you are anyone but your saucy, sexy, fabulous self!

6. Julianne Moore

I counted the number of cover models on the magazines at my grocery store the other day—and 3 of them were graced by Julianne Moore, who shows women that at 50 you can still be a style goddess (just ask Karl Lagerfeld), a fantastic dramatic actress (The Kids Are Alright), and a comedic genius that can go toe to toe with Steve Carell as well (Crazy, Stupid Love).

Bio: Rachel Barnard is a self-confessed shopaholic and contributing writer for Style Cynics, a fashion and celebrity gossip site that features the latest buzz and the hottest styles.

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